A B O U T T H E A R E A
This area of the Peak District has something to offer for everyone! from hiking the peaks or dales, exploring the pubs, or artisan cafes, wandering the traditional sleepy villages or bustling market towns.
There is so much to explore you will be spoilt for choice!
On the footpath to neighbouring village Wetton
Thors cave is 10 minutes from Alstonefields campsite but there are also various walking routes to the cave and Manifold Valley from Alstonefield.
Towns and Villages
Ashbourne is our closest town, 10 minutes by car or the Tissington trail located 5 mins cycle from the site will also take you there, about a 45-minute ride along the trail.
with bars, cafes restaurants and supermarkets this vibrant little market town is the place to stock up on your wares for your stay! Market days are Thursday and Saturdays.
Bakewell is another must visit town during your stay! located about 25 minutes from the site by car, this lovely little town is home to the famous Old Bakewell Pudding Shop, Make a day of it and stop in at the village of Monyash on your return for a spot of lunch at the excellent Bulls Head, then enjoy a stunning walk to Lathkill Dale, also an excellent place to enjoy a picnic in the evening with a bottle of wine on the river bank!
Buxton is located about 30 minutes by car, a day in Buxton will definetly keep you busy! with plenty of shops and wonderful eateries! Buxton opera house and Pavillion Gardens are must see's if visiting the town, also an amazing location for incredible walks in the area !
Local Dales
Alstonefield is perched on the top of the valley so we are surrounded by wonderful stretches of rivers, valleys, and Dales. Milldale is a sleepy village on the bank of the river Dove, less than 5 minutes walk from the site, this wonderful little Dale offers a wonderful short walk. For those after a bigger trek, continue the path through Milldale onto Dovedale, around 45 minutes walk from the site.
In the other direction is the more secluded Beresford Dale, this offers wonderful picnic banks and a good half days walk from the village takes you down the valley hills into Beresford Dale, follows along the stunning river banks and along through Wolfscote Dale which delivers you at Milldale, a 5 minutes steep walk up the lane brings you back into the village of Alstonefield, ready for a well-deserved pint!.
Food and Drink!
Something in abundance for your stay is the number of village pubs with excellent food, and wonderful local ales!. Starting with the village pub, The George at Alstonefield is renowned for its fine dining locally sourced inspired menu. Booking is essential and opening times vary.
www.thegeorgeatalstonefield.com
Less than 1mile from the village is the quaint free-house The Watts Russell, 3 mins by car or a 15min walk downhill. This cosy family run pub offers tapas and other pub fare, all freshly made onsite. Booking is recommended.
5 minutes drive in the other direction at the otherside of the valley is the Manifold Inn, a larger busy Public house, this locals favourite offers hearty pub grub and a welcoming relaxed almosphere, with a large menu and various dining options there is something to suit everyone.
Bulls Head Monyash, 15 minute drive from site, offering huge hearty meals so bring your big trousers to this pub!, excellent beer garden and wonderful friendly staff, the salads here in summer are not to be missed!!! gets very busy so booking reccomended during weekends and peak season.
Tea Rooms and Cafès
The Tea Junction at Hulme- End, only 3 miles from the site and perfectly situated on the Manifold Trail this excellent tea room offers hearty home made food with great portions and something for everyone! Ideal for breakfast before heading off or to visit for lunch after a morning exploring!
Wetton Tea rooms, located in the next village is easily walked to from the site, offering wonderful breakfasts the perfect place to fuel up for a days walking.
There is also Hartington Farm Shop, a delightful spot on the edge of the village of Hartington, excellent locally sourced produce and gifts are also available alongside freshly baked cakes.
Tissington village just off the Tissington Trail is home to Herberts Old English tea rooms, offering afternoon tea, breakfast and a lunch time menu this established tea room is a popular spot with Visitors.
Friends Cafe in Ashbourne is a lisenced cafe offering excellent menu with daily specials and a wonderous selection of fresh baked cakes.
The best of the rest!
- HADDON HALL - KEDLESTON HALL-CALKE ABBEY- ILAM HALL
- DEVONSHIRE ARMS HARTINGTON - COACH AND HORSES FENNY BENTLEY - ROYAL OAK HURDLOW - JARVIS ARMS ONECOTE - THE REFORM INN THORNCLIFFE - LIGHTHOUSE CUBLY - BOWLING GREEN STEAKHOUSE ASHBOURNE -
DRAGONS BACK - MAM TOR - BLACK ROCKS - THE ROACHES - CAVE DALE - DIMMINGSDALE - LUMSDALE - LATHKILL DALE -
THORS CAVE - POOLES CAVERN - BLUE JOHN CAVERN - SPEEDWELL CAVERNS -
CHESTERFIELD - DERBY - LEEK - MATLOCK AND MATLOCK BATH